Shoukry, foreign ministers assistants discuss developments to combat coronavirus

CAIRO - 26 March 2020: Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry met on March 25 with a number of assistants to the foreign ministers to discuss developments related to combating the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), and its implications on the conditions of Egyptian citizens abroad, as well as the extensive efforts of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in this regard.

According to a statement issued by the Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ahmed Hafez, Shoukry was briefed on the efforts exerted by the Egyptian missions abroad in this regard, especially concerning coordination with the relevant authorities in the countries of accreditation in order to facilitate the return of Egyptians stranded abroad in cooperation with the relevant Egyptian authorities.

The statement added that the Egyptian government is contacting with members of the Egyptian communities to check on them and to provide all means of support and assistance, and monitor the health conditions of citizens who have been infected in other countries.

Hafez added that Minister Shoukry also discussed all the precautionary measures and procedures undertaken by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to combat the spread of the virus, in order to ensure the safety of the Ministry's employees and those visiting the premises.

It is worth noting that the Foreign Minister had instructed the heads of the diplomatic missions abroad to convey a message to the members of the Egyptian community in their countries of accreditation regarding the Egyptian state efforts to combat the spread of the virus, and to dedicate means of communication to responding to all inquiries and requests of Egyptian citizens abroad.